I've used an iPod since they released their second generation, original iPod with the touch wheel that lit up red. I then replaced that with a 30gb iPod Video in Black which has lasted me quite a while and still works brilliantly. With the launch of the 2nd generationiPod Touch, I have decided to upgrade again.
I was setting my heart on the price of the iPhone on O2 PAYG being reasonable, but I may have been a little deluded in thinking that Apple would make it competitive enough that it wouldn't make a dent in most people's savings. So when they released it at £350 for an 8GB, I focused on the Touch instead.
I ordered it direct from Apple on Sunday evening and it arrived on Tuesday via UPS, so the speed was excellent beings as the website stated it would take 3-5 business days to ship. Unfortunately it arrived too late in the afternoon to charge at work so, like a small boy at Christmas I rushed home and plugged it in as soon as I stepped indoors.
Upon opening the boring cardboard box it was packaged in, I found a delicately wrapped perspex box in the bottom. I took off the security seals and carefully opened the clear container. I couldn't help a smile creep across my face. I removed the Touch from it's plastic cradle and found the headphones, USB cable, quick start up guide, cleaning cloth and dock adapter all neatly presented in it's own little compartment.
As this was it's first charge and could determine the length of it's battery life, I decided to leave it plugged in for a little over 4 hours. The charging indicator changed after approx 2 hrs but I thought I'd try and get a little more juice in it.
After removing all protective film and stickers, I fired it up for the first time. As the 2nd generation Touch has a speaker built in internally, it let out a small 'ping' which was a little unexpected as I had forgotten most of what I had read about the new models. I also noticed the additional external volume control buttons on the side. These, I believe, are straight from the iPhone, and has already proved to be an excellent feature for me.
All the icons appeared instantly on the screen and I started checking them out. I also found that the touchscreen is very responsive and does not need hardly any pressure to select an icon.
I had used my brother-in-law's first gen Touch before so knew the basic interface but I noticed the Application store icon had an icon on the homepage now. I had looked through some of the apps on the iTunes store when it was launched but didn't really find anything which grabbed my attention. On this occasion, I downloaded a Facebook link and a Solitaire game (both free) which seem to be quite good.
The iPod doesn't really weigh that much (approx 120g), but with the redesigned curved back, it sits in the palm of your hand very easily and comfortably. Apple have reverted back to their chrome-esque finish, so I will be getting a rubber skin for it as soon as possible so to avoid scratches. The display is still at 3.5" (diagonally) and it's dimensions are 110 mm H x 62 mm W x 9 mm D (approx). I opted for the 8GB, but it also comes in 16GB and 32GB, but all three now boast an impressive 36 hours of music playback or 6 hours of video when fully charged.
To sum up, Apple don't kneed to do too much to impress me. I use Macs everyday both for work and for personal at home so I am quite loyal to the brand. The iPod Touch is very impressive to me as I have upgraded from one of their 'Classic' iPods so there is a lot of new features to discover. I'm not so sure it would be worth a current Touch user to upgrade as the unit is not much different bar the speaker and volume controls though.
Summary: My first iPod Touch, upgraded from an iPod Video, is very impressive.
This is only my opinion. I also write reviews on dooyoo under the name macmonkey13.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: great new look, built in speaker, brilliant app store diversity Disadvantages: more expensive than previous device, back is more prone to scratches
fardley 13.01.2009 (16.01.2009)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Apple iPod touch 8 GB
Advantages: Great build quality, does it's job well, screen is tough and brilliant battery life. Disadvantages: Back of iPod scratches really easily, and screen suffers from fingerprints easily.
rokmysox 25.03.2008 (25.03.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Apple iPod touch 8 GB
Advantages: intuitive, stylish, fun, great music player, variety of features, internet function Disadvantages: fingerprints! no camera, no built in speakers, only available in black currently
ilusvm 24.03.2008 (24.03.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Apple iPod touch 8 GB
Advantages: Amazing for Mp3/Mp4 functions and amazing for gamily. Range of features are brilliant!!! Disadvantages: the speaker is a very poor addition to the 2g ipod touch, very tinny
Dec 9th, 2008
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